Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A display apparatus with a touch detection function, the display apparatus comprising: an input surface configured to receive a force applied by a detection target object; a touch detection electrode provided on a first substrate and facing the input surface; a drive electrode provided on a second substrate and facing the touch detection electrode; a force detection electrode facing the drive electrode with a dielectric layer therebetween; a pixel electrode; a display controller configured to, during a display period, display an image in the input surface by generating an electric field between the pixel electrode and the drive electrode; a touch detection controller configured to, during the touch detection period, detect contact with or proximity to the input surface by the detection target object based on electrostatic capacitance between the drive electrode and the touch detection electrode; and a force detection controller configured to, during the touch detection period, detect a force applied to the input surface by the detection target object based on electrostatic capacitance between the drive electrode and the force detection electrode, wherein the drive electrode is disposed between the touch detection electrode and the force detection electrode, wherein a gap between the drive electrode and the force detection electrode is deformed by the force applied to the input surface, and wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct a force detection value based on a reference capacitance value between the drive electrode and the force detection electrode at a reference temperature in a non-contact state of the detection target object with the input surface, wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct the force detection value by multiplying the force detection value by a ratio between the reference capacitance value and the first capacitance value.
The invention relates to a display apparatus with integrated touch and force detection capabilities. The apparatus includes an input surface that receives force from a detection target object, such as a finger or stylus. A touch detection electrode is provided on a first substrate, facing the input surface, while a drive electrode is provided on a second substrate, facing the touch detection electrode. A force detection electrode is positioned opposite the drive electrode with a dielectric layer in between. The apparatus also includes a pixel electrode for displaying images. During a display period, a display controller generates an electric field between the pixel electrode and the drive electrode to display an image on the input surface. During a touch detection period, a touch detection controller detects contact or proximity of the detection target object by measuring the electrostatic capacitance between the drive electrode and the touch detection electrode. Simultaneously, a force detection controller detects the force applied to the input surface by measuring the electrostatic capacitance between the drive electrode and the force detection electrode. The drive electrode is positioned between the touch detection electrode and the force detection electrode, and the gap between the drive electrode and the force detection electrode deforms under applied force, altering the capacitance. The force detection controller corrects the force detection value by comparing it to a reference capacitance value measured at a reference temperature when no contact is detected. The correction involves multiplying the force detection value by the ratio of the reference capacitance value to the measured capacitance value, ensuring accurate force detection regardless of environmental
2. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 1 , wherein the force detection controller is configured: to calculate a first capacitance value between the drive electrode and the force detection electrode in the non-contact state of the detection target object with the input surface; to calculate a second capacitance value between the drive electrode and the force detection electrode in a contact state of the detection target object with the input surface, and; to detect, as the force detection value, an amount of change of the second capacitance value relative to the first capacitance value.
A display apparatus with a touch detection function includes a force detection controller that measures applied force by detecting changes in capacitance between a drive electrode and a force detection electrode. The apparatus operates by first calculating a baseline capacitance value (first capacitance value) when no object is in contact with the input surface. When an object touches the input surface, the controller calculates a second capacitance value and determines the force applied by the object as the difference between the second and first capacitance values. This change in capacitance corresponds to the force exerted by the object on the input surface. The system enables precise force detection by comparing the capacitance in a non-contact state with that in a contact state, allowing the apparatus to distinguish between different levels of applied force. The force detection controller processes these capacitance measurements to generate a force detection value, which can be used for various input applications, such as pressure-sensitive touchscreens or force-based user interactions. The method ensures accurate force measurement by accounting for environmental and baseline conditions before contact occurs.
3. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 1 , wherein the dielectric layer includes an air layer.
A display apparatus with a touch detection function addresses the need for improved touch sensitivity and reliability in touchscreen devices. The apparatus includes a display panel and a touch detection system integrated into the display structure. The touch detection system operates by detecting changes in capacitance or other electrical properties when a user interacts with the display surface. The dielectric layer, which is part of the touch detection system, includes an air layer. The air layer serves as a dielectric material that enhances touch sensitivity by providing a consistent and predictable dielectric constant, reducing signal noise, and improving the accuracy of touch detection. The air layer may be incorporated between conductive touch electrodes or other components of the touch detection system to optimize performance. This design allows for more precise touch input detection, reducing false positives and improving overall user experience. The inclusion of an air layer in the dielectric layer also helps in maintaining the structural integrity of the display while ensuring reliable touch functionality. The apparatus is particularly useful in applications where high touch sensitivity and durability are required, such as smartphones, tablets, and other interactive display devices.
4. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 1 , wherein the dielectric layer includes a layered body included in a backlight device for illuminating the input surface.
A display apparatus with touch detection functionality addresses the challenge of integrating touch sensing capabilities into a display system while maintaining optical performance. The apparatus includes a dielectric layer that forms part of a backlight device, which illuminates the input surface of the display. The dielectric layer is structured as a layered body, allowing it to serve dual purposes: facilitating touch detection by enabling capacitive or resistive sensing and contributing to the optical properties of the backlight system. This integration ensures that the touch detection mechanism does not interfere with the display's brightness, uniformity, or color accuracy. The layered body may include multiple dielectric materials with optimized electrical and optical properties, such as transparency, dielectric constant, and refractive index, to enhance both touch sensitivity and backlight efficiency. By embedding the touch detection functionality within the backlight structure, the apparatus achieves a compact and streamlined design, reducing the need for additional layers or components that could increase thickness or manufacturing complexity. This approach is particularly useful in applications where space constraints and performance are critical, such as smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices.
5. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 4 , wherein the force detection electrode is provided on a surface opposite to a surface on the input surface side of the layered body.
A display apparatus with a touch detection function includes a layered body having a display panel and a touch sensor layer for detecting touch input. The apparatus further includes a force detection electrode positioned on a surface of the layered body opposite to the input surface side. This electrode detects force applied to the input surface, enabling the apparatus to distinguish between different levels of pressure applied by a user. The force detection electrode is electrically connected to a force detection circuit, which measures changes in capacitance or other electrical properties to determine the applied force. The touch sensor layer detects touch coordinates, while the force detection electrode provides additional data on the intensity of the touch, allowing for enhanced user interaction, such as pressure-sensitive input or gesture recognition. The apparatus may also include a protective layer over the input surface to prevent damage while maintaining touch and force detection accuracy. This design integrates force sensing into a compact display structure without requiring additional external components, improving responsiveness and user experience.
6. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 4 , wherein the force detection electrode is provided on a surface on the input surface side of the layered body.
A display apparatus with a touch detection function includes a layered structure with a force detection electrode positioned on a surface facing the input surface. The apparatus detects both touch and force input by a user. The layered structure comprises multiple layers, including a display panel for visual output and a sensor layer for detecting touch interactions. The force detection electrode is specifically placed on the side closest to the input surface, allowing it to measure applied force when a user presses on the display. This configuration enhances sensitivity and accuracy in force detection, improving user interaction with the device. The apparatus may also include additional electrodes or sensors to detect touch location and other input parameters. The force detection electrode is designed to respond to varying levels of pressure, enabling features such as pressure-sensitive controls or gestures. This technology is useful in devices like smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays where precise force detection is required for advanced input functionality. The placement of the force detection electrode optimizes signal quality and reduces interference from other components, ensuring reliable performance.
7. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 4 , wherein the force detection electrode is provided in an inner layer of the layered body.
A display apparatus with a touch detection function includes a layered structure incorporating force detection electrodes to sense applied pressure. The force detection electrodes are positioned in an inner layer of the layered body, allowing for pressure detection while maintaining display functionality. The apparatus may include a display panel, a touch sensor layer for detecting touch input, and a force sensor layer for detecting pressure applied to the display surface. The force detection electrodes are embedded within the layered structure, enabling pressure sensing without interfering with the display or touch detection layers. This configuration allows the device to distinguish between touch and force inputs, improving user interaction by detecting varying levels of pressure applied to the display surface. The force detection electrodes may be arranged in a grid or other pattern to provide localized pressure sensing across the display area. The apparatus may further include signal processing circuitry to analyze force detection signals and determine the magnitude and location of applied pressure. This technology addresses the need for enhanced input detection in touch-sensitive displays, enabling more intuitive and responsive user interfaces.
8. A display apparatus with a touch detection function, the display apparatus comprising: an input surface configured to receive a force applied by a detection target object; a first electrode and a second electrode disposed facing each other with a dielectric layer therebetween; a touch detection controller configured to detect a position where the detection target object is in contact with or in proximity to the input surface; and a force detection controller configured to detect a force applied to the input surface by the detection target object based on electrostatic capacitance generated between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct a force detection value indicating the detected force, based on a first ratio between a reference capacitance value of the electrostatic capacitance at a reference temperature in a non-contact state of the detection target object with the input surface and the electrostatic capacitance in the non-contact state of the detection target object with the input surface, and wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct the force detection value based on a second ratio between the force detection value at a reference position in a force detection area on the input surface and the force detection value at any position in the force detection area.
A display apparatus with integrated touch and force detection capabilities addresses the challenge of accurately measuring applied force while compensating for environmental and positional variations. The apparatus includes an input surface that receives force from a detection target object, such as a finger or stylus. Beneath the input surface, a first electrode and a second electrode are positioned facing each other with a dielectric layer in between. A touch detection controller identifies the position where the object contacts or approaches the input surface, while a force detection controller measures the force applied by the object based on the electrostatic capacitance between the electrodes. To enhance accuracy, the force detection controller corrects the measured force value using two compensation mechanisms. First, it adjusts for temperature-induced variations by comparing the current electrostatic capacitance in a non-contact state to a reference capacitance value at a predefined reference temperature. This correction accounts for changes in dielectric properties due to temperature fluctuations. Second, the controller compensates for positional inconsistencies by comparing the force detection value at any given position within the detection area to a reference value at a predefined reference position. This ensures uniform force measurement across the entire input surface. The combined corrections improve the reliability of force detection in touch-sensitive displays.
9. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 8 , wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct the force detection value by multiplying the force detection value by the first ratio.
A display apparatus with touch and force detection capabilities addresses the challenge of accurately measuring applied force on a touch-sensitive display, particularly when the display is subjected to varying environmental conditions or mechanical deformations. The apparatus includes a force detection controller that processes signals from force sensors to determine the force applied by a user. To enhance accuracy, the force detection controller corrects the raw force detection value by applying a calibration factor, specifically a first ratio. This ratio is derived from predefined calibration data or real-time adjustments to account for factors such as display panel flexibility, sensor drift, or external interference. The correction ensures that the measured force value is normalized and consistent, improving the reliability of touch interactions. The apparatus may also include additional features such as a touch detection unit to locate touch positions and a display panel with integrated force sensors. The force detection controller dynamically adjusts the correction ratio based on operational conditions, ensuring precise force measurement across different usage scenarios. This solution is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision force feedback, such as touchscreens for industrial control systems or medical devices.
10. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 8 , wherein the first ratio is set in advance as a first correction coefficient, and wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct the force detection value by multiplying the force detection value by the first correction coefficient.
A display apparatus with a touch detection function includes a force detection controller that processes force detection values obtained from touch interactions. The apparatus is designed to address inaccuracies in force detection caused by variations in touch conditions, such as finger size or pressure distribution. To improve accuracy, the force detection controller applies a first correction coefficient, which is a predefined ratio, to the raw force detection value. This correction involves multiplying the detected force value by the coefficient to adjust it to a more accurate representation of the applied force. The correction coefficient is determined in advance based on empirical data or calibration processes to ensure consistent and reliable force measurements across different touch scenarios. This adjustment helps compensate for inherent inconsistencies in force detection, enhancing the overall responsiveness and precision of the touch interface. The apparatus may also include additional components, such as a touch sensor and a display panel, to facilitate both touch and force detection. The force detection controller may further process the corrected force values to trigger specific actions or provide feedback based on the detected force levels. This technology is particularly useful in applications requiring precise force input, such as touchscreens for industrial or medical devices.
11. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 10 , further comprising a temperature sensor, wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct the force detection value according to a temperature detected by the temperature sensor, based on a first correction coefficient table associating the temperature with the first correction coefficient.
A display apparatus with touch detection functionality includes a force detection mechanism that measures applied force on a touch-sensitive surface. The apparatus also incorporates a temperature sensor to monitor environmental or operational temperature conditions. A force detection controller adjusts the measured force detection values using a correction coefficient derived from a predefined table that maps temperature values to corresponding correction coefficients. This temperature-based correction compensates for variations in force detection accuracy caused by thermal effects, ensuring consistent and reliable force measurements regardless of temperature fluctuations. The apparatus may also include additional components such as a display panel, a touch detection sensor, and a force detection sensor, which work together to provide both visual output and interactive touch input. The temperature sensor's data is used to dynamically adjust the force detection values, improving the precision of force-based interactions in the display system. This solution addresses the problem of temperature-induced inaccuracies in force detection, enhancing the reliability of touch-sensitive displays in varying thermal environments.
12. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 8 , wherein the second ratio is set in advance as a second correction coefficient, and wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct the force detection value based on the second correction coefficient.
A display apparatus with touch and force detection capabilities addresses the challenge of accurately measuring applied force on a touch-sensitive display, particularly when the display is subjected to bending or deformation. The apparatus includes a display panel, a touch detection unit for detecting touch positions, and a force detection unit for measuring force applied to the display surface. The force detection unit generates a force detection value, which may be affected by environmental factors or mechanical stress, leading to inaccuracies. To improve force detection accuracy, the apparatus applies a correction mechanism. A second correction coefficient is pre-set to account for variations in force detection due to bending or deformation of the display. The force detection controller uses this coefficient to adjust the raw force detection value, ensuring more precise force measurements. This correction helps maintain consistent performance even when the display is flexed or subjected to external pressure. The apparatus may also include a touch detection controller that processes touch input data and a force detection controller that processes force input data. The force detection controller applies the correction coefficient to the detected force value, compensating for distortions caused by display deformation. This ensures reliable force sensing, which is critical for applications requiring precise force feedback, such as touchscreens in mobile devices or interactive displays. The correction mechanism enhances the overall robustness and accuracy of the force detection system.
13. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 12 , wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct the force detection value by multiplying the force detection value by the second correction coefficient.
A display apparatus with a touch detection function includes a force detection controller that corrects force detection values to improve accuracy. The apparatus detects touch inputs and measures the force applied by a user. The force detection controller adjusts the detected force values using a second correction coefficient, which compensates for variations in sensor performance or environmental factors. This correction ensures that the measured force values accurately reflect the actual force applied, enhancing the reliability of touch-based interactions. The apparatus may also include a touch detection controller that processes touch position data and a display driver that controls the display output. The force detection controller operates in conjunction with these components to provide a responsive and precise touch interface. By applying the second correction coefficient, the system mitigates errors that could arise from inconsistencies in force sensing, such as those caused by manufacturing tolerances or external conditions. This correction mechanism is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision force feedback, such as virtual reality, gaming, or industrial control systems. The overall design ensures that the display apparatus delivers consistent and accurate touch and force detection performance.
14. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 13 , wherein the force detection controller is configured to correct the force detection value according to the touch detection position detected by the touch detection controller, based on a second correction coefficient table associating the position in the force detection area with the second correction coefficient.
This invention relates to a display apparatus with a touch detection function, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately detecting applied force across different positions on a touch-sensitive display. The apparatus includes a force detection controller that measures force applied to the display surface and a touch detection controller that identifies the touch position. A key issue in such systems is positional variation in force detection accuracy, where the measured force value may differ depending on where the touch occurs due to mechanical or electrical inconsistencies in the sensor array. To solve this, the force detection controller corrects the measured force value based on the detected touch position using a second correction coefficient table. This table maps specific positions within the force detection area to corresponding correction coefficients, allowing the system to adjust the raw force data to improve accuracy regardless of touch location. The correction process ensures consistent force detection performance across the entire display surface, enhancing user interaction reliability. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring precise force input, such as pressure-sensitive drawing or gesture recognition. The invention builds on a broader system that already includes a first correction coefficient table for initial force calibration, further refining accuracy by accounting for positional dependencies.
15. The display apparatus with a touch detection function according to claim 8 , wherein the force detection controller is configured: to calculate a first capacitance value of the electrostatic capacitance in the non-contact state of the detection target object with the input surface; to calculate a second capacitance value of the electrostatic capacitance in a contact state of the detection target object with the input surface; and to detect, as the force detection value, an amount of change of the second capacitance value relative to the first capacitance value.
A display apparatus with touch and force detection capabilities addresses the need for accurate force measurement in touch-sensitive displays. The apparatus includes a force detection controller that measures electrostatic capacitance changes to determine applied force. The controller calculates a first capacitance value when no object is in contact with the input surface and a second capacitance value when an object is in contact. The difference between these values represents the force detection value, indicating the applied force. The system ensures precise force sensing by comparing capacitance changes between contact and non-contact states, improving touch interaction accuracy. This method enhances user experience by distinguishing between light touches and firm presses, enabling advanced input functionalities such as pressure-sensitive controls. The apparatus integrates seamlessly with touch-sensitive displays, providing a robust solution for force detection in electronic devices. The force detection controller's design ensures reliable performance by dynamically adjusting to varying contact conditions, making it suitable for applications requiring precise force feedback.
16. A display apparatus with a touch detection function, the display apparatus comprising: an input surface configured to receive a force applied by a detection target object; a first electrode and a second electrode disposed facing each other with a dielectric layer therebetween; a touch detection controller configured to detect a position where the detection target object is in contact with or in proximity to the input surface; and a force detection controller configured to detect a force applied to the input surface by the detection target object based on electrostatic capacitance generated between the first electrode and the second electrode, and correct a force detection value indicating the detected force, based on a ratio between the force detection value at a reference position in a force detection area on the input surface and the force detection value at any position in the force detection area.
A display apparatus with integrated touch and force detection capabilities addresses the challenge of accurately measuring applied force across a touch-sensitive input surface. The apparatus includes an input surface that receives force from a detection target object, such as a finger or stylus. Beneath the input surface, a first electrode and a second electrode are positioned facing each other with a dielectric layer separating them. A touch detection controller identifies the position where the object contacts or approaches the input surface, while a force detection controller measures the force applied by the object. The force detection relies on the electrostatic capacitance generated between the two electrodes. To improve accuracy, the force detection controller corrects the measured force value by comparing it to a reference force value at a predefined reference position within the force detection area. This correction accounts for variations in force detection across different positions on the input surface, ensuring consistent and reliable force measurements. The system integrates both touch and force sensing to enhance user interaction with the display.
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November 26, 2019
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